Five Technology-related Habits to Break in 2012

Admit it.  You have developed some bad habits when it comes to maintaining the health and security of the high tech tools and gadgets you depend on. 

Since we are wrapping up 2011 and you are probably thinking about resolutions for the New Year, I thought it is an appropriate time to point out the top five IT-related bad habits you may need to work on fixing in 2012:

1. Not backing up data.  It’s funny how most people start their confession of not backing up their data with the words, “I know it is bad, but…”  If you know you should be backing up your data, then why are you not doing it?  Whether you are a home user or a business owner, protect your data!  Imagine if you lost all of your company’s data.  How long would you be able to remain in business, assuming you could even reopen after the data loss?  How would you feel if you lost all of your home videos and photographs?  There is absolutely no reason to let this bad habit persist.  Call us and we will hook you up with a solid backup plan that will make sure you can be back up and running again fast.
2. Relying on tape drives to backup your data.  This is almost as bad at not backing up your data in the first place.  Why?  Because tape drives have an average failure rate of 100%.  No, that’s not a typo.  It is not a matter of “if” but “when” your tape drive is going to fail.  At one time, tape drives were industry standard, but technology has evolved.  It is time to trash your tape drives and get a better system in place.
3. Using weak passwords.  If you have ever used the word “password” as your password, then I’m talking to you.  A good password should contain a combination of numbers, symbols and upper and lower case letters.  For more tips, .
4. Not installing the latest security patches and software updates.  When a software vendor releases a new patch, this is a green light for hackers who develop viruses and scams to take advantage of individuals who do not regularly update – patch – their system.  Whether you are a home computer user or a business user, you must have a system in place to ensure that patches and software updates are installed in a timely manner. 
5. Printing and storing paper documents for everything. The cost of installing a document imaging (also called document management) solution has come down dramatically, and it is now easier than ever to implement. Plus you get the added benefits of saved storage space, saved time in searching for documents, instant access to any paper file via the Internet, fewer lost files, less chance of losing critical documents to fire, water, or wear and tear, AND cost savings on paper and ink. With all these benefits, why stick to an antiquated paper filing system?

Want help in breaking any of these bad habits? Call today for a no-obligation, no-pressure consultation on how we can help you break these bad high-tech habits for good!  You can contact Amanda Harper at Gaeltek, LLC | Technology Solutions in Manassas, Virginia at 703-652-4685.  You can also get more free tips, tools and information about our services, including computer support for small to medium-sized businesses and home users in Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland, at:  www.gaeltek.com.